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WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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From 1971 through 1974, Mr. Stephen Pevar was a staff attorney with South Dakota Legal Services on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. From 1976 to the present, he has served as a National Staff Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. Mr. Pevar has litigated 200 federal cases involving constitutional rights, including cases in more than 10 different Federal District Courts, 3 differ- ent U.S. Courts of Appeals, and 1 case in the US. Supreme Court. Mr. Stephen Pevar is a Federal Indian Law instructor, and the author of The Rights of Indians and Tribes (Oxford University Press, published January 2012). He has litigated a number of cases in the field of Indian rights and has lectured extensively on the subject.
Come listen to Stephen L. Pevar discuss & important Supreme Court Decisions affecting tribes, and pick up a signed copy of his book!

The Tribe provided grants to 71 different organizations serving others across local communities, continuing its commitment to philanthropy

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations serving local communities as part of the Tribe’s 2^nd Community Outreach Awards luncheon, held on Wednesday, April 19.

The 71 grant recipients represented a wide array of organizations across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including those involved with Native American culture, social services, education, hospitals or health organizations, and support groups for members of the military and military families.

“Morongo is a giving tribe, and helping others has been a core value of our tribe for generations. We are thrilled to be supporting dozens of exceptional non-profit organizations who inspire us by doing so much to serve those in need and to promote the wellbeing of others,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin.

Launched in 2022, the Morongo Community Outreach Awards Program supports the work of  non-profit organizations across the Inland Empire and Southern California by providing grants of up to $5,000 each to recipient groups. With this year’s awards, the program has awarded nearly $400,000 in grants in two years.

“We are so thankful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their generous support,” said Raven Hilden, Founder and CEO of MilVet, a Murrieta-based non-profit that supports deployed troops, veterans and their families. “This grant will help us provide care packages for our nation’s heroes both abroad and here at home.”

Patrick Froehle of Banning-based non-profit Hope, Empathy, Love, Prayer (H.E.L.P.), a food pantry that provides supplemental food to low-income families in the San Gorgonio Pass area expressed his gratitude to the Tribe for their focus on helping the community.

“We are so grateful to have a partner like Morongo and for their continued support of our community and groups like ours that help provide much-needed resources to those experiencing food insecurity,” Froehle said.

During the luncheon, award recipients were recognized for their exceptional service and partnership with Morongo.

“We deeply appreciate Morongo’s continued generosity and support,” said Maureen Girouard, Director for Development and Communications for ABC Recovery Center, an Indio-based addiction treatment center. “This grant enables us to expand our abilities in providing medical intervention technologies that when needed and deployed, could mean the difference between life and death for the very vulnerable population we serve.”

Groups that received awards from Morongo hailed from across the Inland region, ranging from Clearwater Residential, Inc., of Moreno Valley (a housing provider for low-income veterans) to the CARE Project of Riverside (breast cancer support), to Guide Dogs of the Desert of Palm Springs (providing service dogs to the visually-impaired) to Olive Crest of Palm Desert.

Morongo’s Community Outreach Awards Program aligns with the Tribe’s ongoing philanthropic efforts. Over the past decade, Morongo has provided more than $15 million to support local and national non-profit organizations that serve the San Gorgonio Pass and the surrounding regions, as well as greater Southern California.

For information about the 2024 Community Outreach Awards program, groups are encouraged to visit www.morongonation.org/donations/

Tribe’s historic partnership with American Medical Response & REACH Air Medical Services will save lives in the San Gorgonio Pass and beyond by providing new emergency medical transport services.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gathered on March 31 with elected leaders and regional public safety officials to christen a new tribal ground ambulance and medical helicopter that will provide life-saving critical care and medical transport services on the Morongo Reservation, in communities across the San Gorgonio Pass and beyond.

The innovative partnership between Morongo and Global Medical Response companies, REACH Air Medical Services, and American Medical Response, is believed to be the nation’s first collaboration between a federally recognized tribe and an emergency medical service provider to provide both air and ground ambulances.

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New Morongo Tribal Ground and Air Ambulances Take Flight to Strengthen Regional Public SafetyRead More »

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Tribe supports Christmas in Cabazon Brunch with holiday gifts to local kids 

CABAZON, CA – Holiday cheers and smiles were aplenty as hundreds of children from across the San Gorgonio Pass received gifts as part of Saturday’s Christmas in Cabazon Brunch with Santa, sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians at the James A. Venable Community Center in Cabazon, CA.

“We are delighted to be able to help children in need in our local communities,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “By partnering with our friends at the Venable Community Center again this year, we are brightening the holidays for over 200 kids.”

At this year’s event, excited children picked out their own brand-new winter coats, shoes and toys. They also received Target gift cards, enjoyed a visit with Santa Claus and other fun activities. 

“For many years, our partnership with Morongo has helped thousands of children in need receive holiday toys and winter clothes that will help them brave the winter season,” said Community Center Manager Deana Mann. “We are grateful to have such generous partners in Morongo.”

Morongo’s support of the Cabazon Brunch with Santa follows the tribe’s efforts to help children in need each holiday season. Morongo contributes more than $1 million annually to support communities and nonprofits across Southern California.

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The Tribe gives away a record 15,000 turkeys to 116 nonprofit organizations across the Inland Empire and Southern California.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gave away a record 15,000 free turkeys this week to non-profit groups, churches and charities from across Southern California as part of the Tribe’s 36th Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Program.

The turkeys donated this year will provide nearly 300,000 holiday meals to families, seniors and veterans in need. Since the program began, Morongo has given away more than 175,000 turkeys, which in turn have provided an estimated 3.5 million holiday meals.

“Morongo launched our Thanksgiving Outreach program more than three decades ago to help those struggling to put food on the table,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “The last couple of years have presented unprecedented challenges for so many, and we are humbled to be in the position to help those in need.”

Tribal members and volunteers gathered at the Morongo Community Center from Nov. 14 – 16 to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to 116 nonprofit organizations, such as food pantries, churches, homeless shelters, schools and veteran groups from across Southern California.

Groups receiving turkeys hailed from Banning, Beaumont, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Redlands, Los Angeles, and other communities. The groups will use the turkeys to provide hot holiday meals to those in need or will distribute the birds in holiday meal gift baskets with additional side dishes to help feed thousands of people who otherwise would not have been able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner this year.

“The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission is busier than ever this year, and with the economy the way it is, we’ve had to double the amount of those we are providing food boxes to,” said Darla Burkett, executive director of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. “We are so very grateful to the Morongo Band of Missions for their generous support in allowing us to feed hundreds of people in need this holiday season.”

Other non-profit groups who received turkeys included the Los Angeles Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, Victory Outreach in Banning, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry in Desert Hot Springs and Carol’s Kitchen in Beaumont among others.

The Healing & Hope for the Homeless in Los Angeles received 300 turkeys to help feed the homeless this holiday.

“During this very difficult and uncertain time, Morongo’s commitment to helping those who are less fortunate is always consistent,” said Karen Collins, Volunteer Coordinator of the Healing & Hope for the Homeless. “We are so thankful for the 300 turkeys that Morongo has gifted to Healing & Hope for the Homeless for those in need of a warm and delicious holiday meal.”

Pastor Victor Archuleta of Victory Outreach Church in Banning said the 300 turkeys provided by Morongo will help struggling families enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner together.

“Morongo’s Thanksgiving Outreach Program has been the gift that keeps on giving to the families in need across the San Gorgonio Pass,” Archuleta said. “The blessing of a warm meal from Morongo provides a light of hope to many who are struggling.” 

For nearly 40 decades, thousands of veterans and military families have benefitted from the tribe’s Thanksgiving Outreach program with turkeys donated to local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other military support groups.

“Morongo’s generosity never ceases to surprise our military families, especially during the holiday season,” said Todd Sieja, President and CEO of the Western Eagle Foundation in Temecula. “Year after year, they help provide delicious thanksgiving meals for our veterans to enjoy and share with their loved ones.”

To receive turkeys, participating groups submitted applications to the Tribe and were notified over the summer that they had been selected. For organizations interested in receiving turkeys next Thanksgiving, applications for next year are due in Spring 2023. 

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In furtherance of its goal to help support local non-profits, the Tribe provided grants to 67 different organizations serving others across local communities.

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $200,000 to dozens of non-profit organizations serving local communities as part of the Tribe’s inaugural Community Outreach Awards luncheon, held on Wednesday, April 13.

The 67 award recipients represented a wide array of organizations across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including those involved with Native American culture, social services, education, hospitals or health organizations, and support groups for members of the military and military families.

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Morongo Awards Nearly $200,000 to Community Groups at Inaugural Community Outreach LuncheonRead More »

BANNING, CALIF (March 16, 2022)  – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians presented a record $5.6 million donation to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Foundation on Wednesday, March 16 to purchase new equipment and build new facilities that will allow the hospital to become the first certified stroke center in the San Gorgonio Pass.

The donation, which is the largest ever received by the Foundation, will pay for new equipment that is critical for treating acute stroke patients, including two computerized tomography (CT) scanners that allow doctors to diagnose and monitor patient conditions, a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine capable of producing exceptional imagery (at 1.5T), and an entirely new building for the MRI equipment.

The Foundation will also use the funds to purchase a new gamma camera and upgrade the stroke facility’s digital radiography rooms and older pieces of equipment.

“This extremely generous gift from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians will save lives all across our Pass communities for many, many years to come,” said Foundation President Randy Robbins. “Morongo’s donation will bring immediate, life-saving benefits to the residents of the Pass and is an amazing milestone for marking the 40^th anniversary of our Foundation.”

Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin praised the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital staff, leadership and Foundation for their unwavering dedication to serving others in need, especially over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Your commitment, compassion, and professionalism are nothing short of amazing. Morongo has enjoyed a close relationship with the Foundation and the hospital for decades, and our Tribe is grateful to build upon that partnership to advance the health and wellness of our growing Pass communities,” Martin said.

The funds will strengthen the hospital’s Stroke Program through the purchase and installation of an Emergency Department CT Scanner with Brain Perfusion; a secondary CT Scanner with Cardiac package; rooms to house the new units, as well as a new MRI unit and building.

The new equipment and capabilities will enable San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital to become a Certified Stroke Center, meaning stroke patients in the Pass can receive care faster and will no longer need to be automatically transported to stroke centers outside of the area.

“We are deeply grateful for Morongo’s support, which will allow us to purchase new equipment that is essential for strengthening patient care,” said San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karan P. Singh. “When it comes to strokes, every minute counts. Morongo’s gift puts us in a much better position to save lives and reduce long-term impacts to stroke patients by providing them immediate care.”

San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Board Chair Susan DiBiasi also thanked the Tribe for the donation on behalf of the board, saying “Thanks to Morongo, the future is bright at the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital.” The $5.6 million donation to the Foundation aligns with Morongo’s ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life and well-being of communities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Over the past decade, Morongo has given over $15 million to support local and regional nonprofit organizations that help seniors, families, veterans, youth and those in need.

Now open just up the block from the original store is the new Morongo Travel Center. Stop by for you next fill up! Grab your morning coffee, some snacks for the road, or stay and play on the 100 new slot machines at the new location. Great gas prices, all new car wash and a variety of pit stop favorites!

Competitive dancers and drum groups from across the U.S. and Canada honored ancient songs and dances of Native American tribes.

Morongo Indian Reservation – The beauty and rich traditions of Native American dancing, art, and music were celebrated at the 30^th Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow, held over three days beginning on Friday, Sept. 24.

To mark its 30^th anniversary, the annual powwow hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians was held outdoors under a large, open-sided tent set above a packed field that had served as the powwow grounds in early days of the event.

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Morongo Celebrates 30th Annual Thunder & Lightning PowwowRead More »